Seniors Cooper Neese and Karissa McLaughlin talk about bonding with their Indiana All-Star teams off court, after the juniors vs. seniors exhibition game at Plainfield High School, June 8, 2017.
Jenna Watson/IndyStar

PLAINFIELD – The post is no place to shine during this week of up-tempo, dazzling all-star basketball. About 40 percent of field goal attempts came from 3-point range in Thursday's exhibition between the 2017 junior and senior girls Indiana All-Stars.

The seniors had six score in double figures as they sailed to a 107-67 win, their second of the week. Guard Dana Evans led the way with 19 points in 22 minutes.

But when asked who stood out, coach Curt Benge first brought up Fountain Central's Macee Williams. The forward had six points on 3-of-4 shooting.

"The box score won't show it, but her body inside, the way she defended and rebounded and hustled was great," he said. "We don't have a lot of size on this team. And (the bigs) have stepped up."

A pair of seniors — New Albany’s Chyna Anthony and North Central’s Ajanae’ Thomas — were suspended for the game for “conduct that violates team rules and policy.”

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So without another big in Anthony, who led them in Tuesday's exhibition, the seniors put together a balanced effort. It was Howard-Bass who sparked them early and IndyStar Miss Basketball runner-up Evans who took over late.

"I was really impressed with how this group responded," Benge said. "They don't have to come together. It's an all-star game. In three or four days, they'll walk away and maybe never see each other again, for a long time."

Added Howard-Bass, who hit all of her 3-pointers in the first half: "Not every team can do this. We've really come together."

And even if her numbers didn't dazzle, Williams was glad to play her part.

"I don't mind not scoring," she said. "As long as I can get in and help with rebounding and help-side defense."

Despite the disciplinary actions this week, Benge is hopeful that Saturday's main event against the Kentucky All-Stars will remain a strong draw.

"People need to get out and support basketball," he said. "This is a dream for all of us ... I'd like to see it get back to where they're getting 10,000 people out for this thing."